Smart paddle coaches kayakers

Sea kayaking is like a lot of other activities, in that just because you enjoy doing it, doesn't mean you're doing it right. If you aren't out there with more experienced kayakers, though, how will you know what to change? Well, that's where Motionize Paddle comes in. It's a system that uses your smartphone to assess and improve your paddling.

Motionize actually consists of three parts – or four, depending on how you look at it: there are two waterproof 9-axis sensor modules that mount on your kayak and your paddle, a waterproof smartphone case that goes on the deck of your boat, and a dedicated iOS/Android app that runs on that phone.

Lithium-polymer batteries in the kayak-mounted and paddle-mounted sensors should provide run times of 90 and five hours per charge, respectively.

As you're out kayaking, the app communicates with the sensors via Bluetooth, noting the relative positions and movements of both the paddle and the boat. Using some good ol' "proprietary algorithms" to analyze that data, the software is reportedly thus able to ascertain your paddling form. Via both an onscreen display and audio prompts, your phone then provides real-time corrective feedback on factors such as stroke length, distance per stroke, speed/pace, and paddle depth.

Additionally, because the app is able to track your progress over time, it will continually help you to improve as you gain skills and experience.

The Motionize Paddle system is available now, priced at US$499. It can be seen in use, in the following video.